hey guys, quick question.

 I installed the drivers side handle no problem, but the passanger side (though it works) feels like it takes too much torque to lock and unlock.  does adjusting the tention have anything to do with that screw that I circled in the photo?  and if not, what function does that screw serve, ie. why is it so long?  any suggestions at how to resolve this issue would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!!!

The door handles are not hard to replace, just have to get everything out of the way. Window can stay in just need to remove the latch, and control rods to axcess the screw in the jamb. 

While they are 5/16-18, they have ridiculous 13mm hex heads when the heads are still on.  

what a mad mad world.

In addition to what Mur said about the break-off bolts, I believe you will find they are still "imperial", 5/16-18.  The last car I installed a column lock assembly on I did not use the break-off bolts, I used socket head cap screws of the same length.  That allows you to use a regular Allen key to install and remove the bolts.

The ignition lock is bolted on with bolts that are called: break off bolts.   This means the hexagon head will break away when fully tightened.  You do not need to break off the new ones that come with the lock, however, there are many tricks to getting the old broken headed anti-theft style bolts out:  Saw a slit across them with a hacksaw, and unscrew with a screwdriver, tap them with an appropriate chisel and unscrew them.  drill into them with a suitable bit and extract with whatever type of miracle extractor you like, they all break anyhow but they look awesome on TV.  Me?  I take a punch or chisel and hit, but that's just how I prefer to roll.  They are regular thread, so they unscrew counter clockwise.

Thank you all! After calling a few of the suggested locksmiths for quotes i quickly realized the answer was just replace everything, so I ended up ordering the following: 

Qty:1 - BHM7107 - IGNITION SWITCH LOCKING ASSEMBLY '76 ON MINI, $101.96
Qty:1 - CZH1785 - MK3 CHROME 3 PIECE EXTERIOR HANDLE KIT, $118.96
Qty:1 - GSS154A - GAS FUEL CAP LOCKING - VENTED - MINI ALL MODELS, $31.41

Please let me know if you think I may have ordered the wrong models for my make!!!

And does anyone know how hard installions gonna be. I heard doing the boot is fairly simple and I've taken the door apart to massage out a dent, it was a pain to get the window back in order but I'm pretty sure I could do it again. How about the ignition? Never messed around with that before? 

Again, thanks to everyone for their advice, it was a huge help!

The locks between early and late cars are different.  Do you mean a MkII Mini or a 1991 Mini?

Regardless, give serious to Mur's advice on getting new locks that match to reduce your key count.  You mentioned you lost the gas cap key also.  That one really does leave you with either the need for a locksmith to make you a custom key or you will end up drilling out the lock and replacing the cap.

A new ignition lock and key is inexpensive and they wear out, so now is a good time to change yours.  The door and bootlid keys should be the same, since they were not, perhaps now is the time to make them all match.  You could buy a full new set, or a pair of door handles and get a trunk lock tumbler set to match.  Seems silly to have more than one code of those.  When the trunklid key matches the doors, you only have to take the easy trunk latch and handle apart to find the three digit code for the key.  The doors are harder.

Some mini folk who have been at this a long while keep a ring of extra mini keys, and usually they can find a match.  Even just three or four mini owners in one spot can find some common keys.

A mobile locksmith did keys for me once. It was expensive but convenient not to have to dismantle anything. I watched him do it and I might try it myself next time providing a can find blanks. You might have to ask for Austin healey blanks if Mini doesn't show up at your locksmith.

Well, first of all, come over to maosf.com and enjoy the insanity with the rest of us Bay Area folks.

I've had good luck with Mini keys over at A1 Locksmith on Saratoga Ave. just a bit south of I280 on the left.  I think the area used to be called the Maple Leaf Center although it's more like a couple blocks of old store fronts from the '50s.  They did an MGB set of keys years ago and my '72 Mini from New Zealand recently.  They have tons of key blanks on the wall and matched mine right up.

Remember, the Hayward British Field meet is coming up on June 2nd.  Come up to the University and show your Mini with the rest of us!

Craig in Campbell

Does San Jose have Yellow Pages or you have google on your computer? Look up Auto Lock Service. 

I can't see a problem - take out the door handle and whatever else you need keys for and trot off to a locksmith and he can make them for you. You may even find one that can come to you. It won't be hard. Get two sets ...

KJ

Hello all, I Recently lost my only key set to my 91 German mini mkII.  I had separate keys for the doors, ignition trunk, and gas cap.  Does anyone have suggestions on the best way to get them all replaced.  I know it's not gonna be cheap, but I haven't the foggiest idea where to even start.  I live out in San Jose california.  Any leads to places, people, or just any general suggestions would be much appreciated!!!

Thanks!